Identifying Substances: How to Know What You’ve Found

You feel your stomach tighten—your loved one’s behavior has been strange lately, and you’ve been worried that they may have started using some type of drug.  But now that you’ve found it—a bag or other container full of some unknown pill or substance hidden where you’d least expect to find it—your worst fears have been confirmed.  Now that you know they need help, how can you figure out exactly what type of help they need?

Start with Behavior

The abuser or addict may have already given you clues about what substance they are using with their behavior.  For example, “uppers” (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) tend to increase energy, and enhance cognition and positivity whereas “downers” (e.g., heroin, other opiates, alcohol in excessive quantities) do the opposite.  Keep in mind that not all users will behave the same way (Read Response to Substances: Why It Varies by Person). Some drugs are also associated with clear physical and/or psychological symptoms; for example, meth addiction often decreases appetite and leads to severe weight loss, malnutrition, and tooth decay.  It can also cause the user to go for long periods without sleep.  If you are concerned about a specific drug, select from the following articles:

• Alcoholism: What Are the Signs?
• Cocaine Abuse: What Are the Signs?
• Marijuana Abuse: What Are the Signs?
• Meth Abuse: What Are the Signs?
• Opiate Abuse: What Are the Signs?

What Drugs Look Like

There are a number of excellent websites that can help you identify prescription drugs.  The vast majority of prescription medications will be labeled.  Note the pill’s size, shape, color, and imprints on both sides.  An unlabeled pill could be an illegal drug, but it also could be a vitamin or mineral supplement or a legal substance like caffeine.  Drugs like Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Xanax come in pill form. However, be aware that many addicts will crush pills into powder form so as to be able to inhale the substance for a faster high.  Drugs that are commonly sold in powder form include cocaine (white) and heroin (brown or black) whereas PCP, crack, and meth will look like crystals.  Marijuana often looks like a green or brown dried plant. Drug paraphernalia can also provide clues as to the substance that is being abused.  Cocaine users may have mirrors and tube-like objects (e.g., straws or rolled paper) for snorting; heroin users may have a supply of IV syringes, tourniquets, lighters, and spoons.  Marijuana users may have rolling papers or water pipes (bongs).  You may find glass pipes and lighters in the possession of crack users.  Meth can be snorted, smoked, or injected so they may have syringes, pipes, mirrors, etc.

Other Drug Characteristics

Marijuana has a distinctive, somewhat bitter smell when smoked.  You also will likely be able to identify the smell of alcohol on a person’s breath. Do not attempt to smell powdered or crystalized substances so as not to accidentally inhale them.  Likewise, do not taste unknown substances to avoid ingesting them.

What Should I Do If I Know Someone Is Using a Drug?

If the person has been hiding their drug use, there is a strong likelihood that they have a problem.  Contact an intervention professional at eDrugRehab today!